The turn of the calendar brings fresh starts and renewed purpose. It’s a time when individuals set goals, reflect on past shortcomings and commit to better versions of themselves. For Pitt volleyball, the arrival of 2026 offers that same opportunity — a chance to learn from history and finally achieve what has eluded them for half a decade.
The Final Four has become both a testament to the program’s elite status and a source of mounting frustration. The Panthers have reached the semifinals in each season from 2021 through 2025, yet they haven’t won a single match at that stage.
Most recently, they were swept by Texas A&M in the 2025 semifinals before the Aggies went on to win it all against Kentucky. Each defeat has stung differently, but they all share a common thread — Pitt simply couldn’t get over the hump when it mattered most.
As we turn the calendar to 2026, it’s time for this program to make some serious New Year’s resolutions. With the pieces now falling into place through the transfer portal, the Panthers might have their best opportunity yet to break through.
Resolution #1: Leverage new talent to create championship chemistry
The transfer portal was especially kind to Pitt in the past, and this offseason is no different. The headline addition to the Panthers’ roster is setter junior Izzy Starck from Penn State.
The Florida native helped the Nittany Lions capture a national Championship in 2024 while earning 1,483 assists, 342 digs, 112 kills and 99 blocks for the season. On top of that, Starck also received AVCA National Player of the Year, Second Team All-American honors and Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2024.
Starck will replace graduated redshirt senior Brooke Mosher and immediately slot into the starting lineup. The setter-hitter combination of Starck and two-time AVCA National Player of the Year junior opposite hitter Olivia Babcock should perform as one of the most dangerous duos in college volleyball. Starck has already proven she knows how to win at the highest level, and that championship experience is invaluable.
Additionally, the Panthers added middle blocker redshirt sophomore Jordyn Dailey from the University of Kentucky.
Dailey will be replacing former sophomore middle blocker Ryla Jones — who recently announced her transfer to Penn State immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 season — and former captain redshirt senior middle blocker Bre Kelley.
Fans have seen time and time again how head coach Dan Fisher can seamlessly blend new faces with returning players into a cohesive unit that trusts each other to deliver.
Championships aren’t simply teams that you can cobble together from All-Americans from all across the country — they’re families that play for each other.
Resolution #2: Embrace the pressure and own the moment
Here’s the reality Pitt volleyball must accept — the expectations in 2026 will be sky-high. With Olviia Babcock entering her final year of eligibility and a national championship still eluding her, with one of the country’s premier setters arriving from a title-winning program and now with five straight Final Four appearances in the rearview mirror, it really is now or never.
Rather than shy away from that pressure, Pitt needs to embrace it. Instead of looking at numerous Final Four appearances as a curse, but as a foundation. It’s proof that this program knows how to win the matches that matter, navigate tough tournaments and perform when it matters most.
The time is now
As the Panthers get back in the gym to start their offseason work, these resolutions are hopefully guiding their approach. The key in this mindset shift is to leave behind the days of “we can’t win the Final Four” and move on to “we’ve learned what it takes, and now we’re ready to finish the job.”
Each loss is a lesson, and every close call has been preparation. Five years of heartbreak have taught this program valuable lessons. Now it’s time to put those lessons to use.
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